ROSES 2024: F.4 Habitable Worlds

The ROSES-2024 (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences) solicitation by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) offers funding for basic and applied research across a broad range of Earth and space sciences. The document outlines the strategic goals, eligibility criteria, and specific program elements for prospective applicants. Funding supports areas such as Earth system studies, astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, and biological/physical sciences in space environments. Research can range from theoretical modeling and data analysis to flight-based investigations using satellites, suborbital platforms, and the International Space Station. The primary objective is to advance scientific knowledge aligned with NASA's strategic goals, including understanding Earth’s systems, the Sun, solar interactions, and the universe. Projects may involve technology development, laboratory sample analysis, Earth system modeling, or applied science systems to address societal needs. NASA emphasizes open science, requiring funded researchers to make their data, software, and publications publicly available. Open science and data management plans are integral to proposals. The solicitation is open to universities, non-profits, private companies, government agencies, international entities (on a no-exchange-of-funds basis), and specific target groups like Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Applicants must register in systems such as NSPIRES or Grants.gov, and proposals may involve Notices of Intent (NOIs), two-step processes, or dual-anonymous peer review (DAPR). NASA encourages participation from organizations with limited prior funding from the SMD to expand the base of researchers. Submission requirements include detailed proposal documents in PDF format, compliance with specified templates for budgets and open science plans, and optional or required components like biographical sketches, facility access letters, and dual-anonymized documents. Proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, relevance to NASA’s goals, and feasibility, with specific instructions varying by program element. The agency also offers high-performance computing resources for selected research. Deadlines vary across the different program elements, listed in tables on the NASA ROSES solicitation page. Proposal documents must adhere to strict formatting and compliance rules. NASA plans to announce funding decisions and initiate awards promptly, contingent on the availability of appropriated funds. Key dates include a release date of February 14, 2024, and proposals being accepted no earlier than May 14, 2024. Applicants are advised to monitor updates through NSPIRES or the ROSES blog for amendments or clarifications to program elements and deadlines.